Dr. Jegerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Malayan Chamber of Mines, while pressing for the cost of rehabilitating the tin industry to be defrayed from public funds, is urging that primary responsibility for this disbursement should rest with the private interests concerned; and whether, in view of its past exploitation of labour and the consumer, he will take steps to nationalise this industry for the benefit of the Malayan peoples.
§ Mr. George HallThe Malayan Chamber of Mines have asked for financial assistance to enable the companies to repair and replace the equipment which was destroyed or damaged as the result of military operations in Malaya. This request is at present under consideration. Whether or not such assistance is granted, it is my intention to take all possible steps to ensure the restoration of fair conditions of labour, and the fair contribution from the industry to revenue which will be required to provide among other things for improved social and welfare services.